Friday, October 29, 2010

Foolish, foolish woman I am...


What a whirlwind couple of weeks. Is it seriously going to be November on Monday? Time is flying way too fast lately. I guess everyone says that- but sometimes it is more true than others.

Tonight I was reminded of the Proverb: "The wise woman builds her house, but with her own hands the foolish one tears hers down." 14:1

I have been struggling with balance lately, nothing new. The reason for my balance issues is my own doing though- horses. All I ever want to do is be at the barn playing with my horses, and that is not all I am SUPPOSE to do. Bah. Anyways, today I made the decision to be very self sacrificing and be home with dinner waiting for my husband...in spite of the gorgeous blue skies, fresh air and PERFECT riding conditions this afternoon. So I cleaned up after work, spent some girl time with my amazing daughter, and waiting obediently for my husband. Mmmhhhmmmm. You know where this is going. My dear man worked late, and instead of coming home, he went straight to the church to work the sound board during worship practice. Now, I could have said, oh- what a great guy, he worked late and is still willing to donate his evening to the greater good, blah blah blah. But no- I focused on the fact that he didn't CALL me to tell me that he wasn't coming home, and if he had, I could have been at the barn. Foolish, foolish woman, right? Way to tear down your own "house" (marital relationship) you have worked so hard to build up!
I often wonder why it is so easy to see my mistakes once I have already successfully made them, rather than see them and STOP before I am right in the muck again. But God is so faithful. After I apologized to my poor husband for throwing a fit, drove to the church to give him a kiss, and got to the barn for a quick horse fix, God blessed my socks off. He gave me the chance to chat with a new friend, and in that conversation- He gently reminded me that even when I blow it, I can't wreck His ultimate plan. If I had not gotten to the barn late, I would have missed out on the great fellowship I had with my barn buddy and the opportunity to share and talk about our Lord and Savior together. She and I both left feeling blessed and encouraged!

I have been hanging out in 1 Timothy this week, and God reminded me of verse 8 in chapter 4 as I was driving home from the barn. Check it out:
"Bodily discipline (physical training-will power) is of some value, but godliness (spiritual training- faith power) has value for all things, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come."
I can try all I want to be perfect, to discipline myself to accomplish that wonderful balanced life that I dream of- the one where I am an amazing wife, a wise and wonderful mother, a gifted horse trainer, an excellent nurse and the best friend anyone could dream of. But it's never going to happen- no one can be all things for all people. And all that forced structure is of only "some value". Instead, as I choose to LOVE my God first, and that love overflows to my husband, my family, my patients, my friends...even my horses- THAT will help me to grow in "godliness" and truly find the value in all things.
Oh, thank you Lord that when I think I am being oh so cool, you remind me what a goomba I am, and still work in me and through me. Your plans are wonderful, Father.
(This is by far my favorite picture of Jazz and Freckles. He is such a "dog"! Bahahaha!)

Saturday, October 9, 2010

"Dancing in the Minefields..."


This week has been full of great firsts and terrible frustrations. I'd like to blame it on menopause or something, but I am just not that old yet. Drat.

Today though, I remembered how gracious God is to me. He gave me time to slow down, to talk to Him, and to remember. To remember that my purpose is bigger than figuring out how to ride my horse. My mission is bigger than how to get along with rebellious kids. To remember the "hope of His calling" and keep my eyes open for the ones who need Him NOW.

Steve blessed me with encouragement and love this week as I struggled with self-centered grief over my kiddos. They aren't any different than any other American teenager, but having been spoiled with close relationships with them, it hurts like crazy to feel those relationships be strained. Steve reminded me that God is God, and He is in control. Waking up to this man that I love this morning, this man who is my best friend, this man who I used to hate- reinforced the truth of God's power. Thank you Lord for your mercy. That you would pick me up out of the mud, wash me clean and give me a man after Your heart. Your goodness is amazing...Check out Ephesians 5 this week. Such a beautiful picture of what marriage is suppose to be like.

Jazz showed me this song and it brought tears to my eyes. May you and your beloved "dance in the minefields" together always and "kick down the doors" that try to block God's hand in your life. May you "sail in the storms" with a grin and remember that is "what the promise (of 'I do') is for"...
(When the video goes black, just click on the sentence in the middle "watch on youtube" and it will open another window.)


Lay your life down for him, sister. And watch God blow your mind with how He honors your obedience.
"My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. " John 15:12-13

Friday, October 1, 2010

Facts of Life

I really think everyone can agree with at least one of these "Facts of Life". How I love my friend, Jody's forwarded emails. Made my morning!



01. I think part of a best friend's job should be to immediately clear your computer history if you die.

02. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realize you're wrong.

03. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.

04. There is great need for a sarcasm font.


07. Map Quest really needs to start their directions on # 5. I'm pretty sure I know how to get out of my neighborhood.

08. Obituaries would be a lot more interesting if they told you how the person died.

09. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.

10. Bad decisions make good stories.

11. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you know that you just aren't going to do anything productive for the rest of the day.

12. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after Blue Ray? I don't want to have to restart my collection ... again.

13. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of WORD and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten-page technical report that I swear I did not make any changes to.

14. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.

15. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.

16. I disagree with Kay Jewelers. I would bet on any given Friday or Saturday night more kisses begin with Miller Lite than Kay.

17. I wish Google Maps had an "Avoid Ghetto" routing option.

18. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.

19. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear or understand a word they said?

20. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars team up to prevent a jerk from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers and sisters!

21. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.

22. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, finding their cell phone, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey -but I'd bet everyone can find and push the snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time, every time!

23. The first testicular guard, the "Cup," was used in Hockey in 1874 and the first helmet was used in 1974. That means it only took 100 years for men to realize that their brain is also important.

Ladies ..... Quit Laughing.